Trecastle combines local history with a rural setting. The settlement has two main areas, and the Nant Logyn flows through the village from north to south. The Usk Reservoir is also relevant when planning an overnight stay: it is six miles (9.5 kilometres) from Trecastle.
Landscape and settlement pattern
Trecastle lies on gently sloping land on the northern side of the Usk Valley. The Western Usk Tributaries Landscape Character Area includes Trecastle and is characterised by pastureland with irregularly shaped, hedge-enclosed fields. This field landscape contrasts with the open moorland above. Trecastle’s surroundings can therefore be understood both through its varied pastoral landscape and its contrast with the open uplands.
Castle Tump and historical traces
Castle Tump stands on slightly higher ground on the eastern edge of Trecastle. It is an early 11th-century Norman motte-and-bailey fortification. The village name also appears to mean “the settlement by the castle”. Its location, date and interpretation of its name offer different insights into the area’s earlier history; the meaning of the name remains a possible interpretation.
In the centre of Trecastle is Neuadd, a former residence of the Gwynn family. The house at Neuadd has architectural features dating from the 17th century. In the late 18th or early 19th century, it became an inn for travellers. Neuadd thus brings together several historical connections: its former role as a residence, its surviving architectural features and its later use as an inn.
An episcopal estate associated with western Trecastle was granted the right to hold an annual fair and a weekly market by Edward I in 1290/91. The grant is a dated indication of Trecastle’s medieval market history. It should be distinguished from present-day offerings.
The history of transport can also be placed in context. The turnpike road that runs through Trecastle is now the A40. A road leading westwards towards Mynydd Trecastell was probably part of the Roman road from Brecon Gaer to Llandovery. Trecastle is also said to be the home village of several Agincourt fighters, including Watkin Lloyd.
A local tradition tells how the meadows between Trecastle and Llywel were turned into a lake and a fishpond. The Gwynne family was then said to have been taken by boat to the church in Llywel. According to the story, water and a journey to church were part of the area’s past; it does not describe any boating activity today.
Usk Reservoir as an additional excursion
The Usk Reservoir is 6 miles (9.5 kilometres) from Trecastle and is signposted on the road to Llanddeusant. The reservoir has an 8-kilometre circular route used by cyclists and walkers. When planning your visit, it is useful to distinguish between the two figures: 9.5 kilometres is the distance from Trecastle to the reservoir, while 8 kilometres is the length of the circular route there. If you plan to take the route, check current trail conditions beforehand; signage may also change.
Discover more destinations: Mochdre, Crickhowell, Abercegir, Llandrindod Wells, Pen-Y-Cae, Pen-y-bont, Aberhosan, New Radnor.
For the main travel overview: Powys.
